Read at more graduations than anyone cares to count, this poem tends to be used as an example of taking the high road. The narrow road. The difficult road. The road less traveled by.

But that's just not what it means.

The last lines of that poem are really out of place. Added almost more out of self-justification than real reason.

Throughout the text, you see phrases like "just as fair," "worn [...] really about the same," "equally lay."

The roads both look just as good.

The roads are equally traveled.

There's not a clearly better road.

He just has to choose.

I don't think that, as followers of Christ, we have that luxury. I don't think the Lord really cares whether I choose ketchup or mustard for my burger, but when it comes to the road I choose to walk, I believe that choice is of great significance to my Father.

Even when both of the roads are good.

Even when both of the roads involve serving and following Him.

It's hard to choose between those roads.

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21